Halifax
Photo Credit: TD Halifax Jazz Festival
Enjoy the beautiful sights of Canada’s Atlantic Playground and the amazing music at the many music festivals across the Province. There is a music festival for everyone, from the fiddlers of Nova Scotian classics to the new indie bands who get their start in the small town festivals, to the greatest rock n’ roll bands at the larger festivals. Nova Scotians love their music, so it is no wonder why there are so many festivals every year. Along with enjoying the local music, visitors can also enjoy local beers and food during these music festivals. Listed below are the music festivals in Nova Scotia.
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In The Dead of Winter
In The Dead of Winter started in 2006 in Halifax at the Khyber Club with just one small stage and eleven artists. The festival is a songwriter based festival that is held annually in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The festival aims to showcase the diversity of songwriters in the Atlantic Region, Canada, and the United States. It is of particular importance to the festival to not only celebrate the excellence of our musicians but to also provide venues for artists who have not yet had the opportunity to perform their music to a wider audience. Along with performances, there is also time for artists and fans to meet in a professional environment. In Details
January 24 to 27, 2019
Various Venues, Halifax
Varies
OBEY Convention
The OBEY Convention presents a festival of contemporary and underground music and art each spring. Incorporating artists from multiple genres and disciplines, our tightly curated programme is like no other in the country. Audiences see the best in electronica, avant-rock, jazz, modern composition, noise, ambient, visual art, spoken word and beyond. Join with us to celebrate the fringes of culture and the power of new ideas. Details
May 30th-June 2, 2019
Various Venues, Halifax.
Scotia Festival of Music
May 27 – June 9
Halifax, NS
Lunch Ceilidh at the Celtic Music Centre
Stop in and experience a famous Lunch Ceilidhs in the Ceilidh Pub featuring authentic live Celtic music with some of Cape Breton’s best up and coming and seasoned musicians, 7 days a week. The menu features Nova Scotia favourites including seafood chowder, traditional lobster sandwich, fish cakes, Seafood linguini, a variety of grilled sandwiches, burgers, fresh salads, tasty desserts and more, all house made with local ingredients. There is a fully licensed bar offers a variety of local craft beer including Big Spruce & Breton Brewing, local craft cider, local wine, coolers and spirits, old fashioned floats and more. Details
June – October Mid
5471 Highway 19, Judique
Garrison’s Backlot Bash
The 5th edition features Broken Social Scene with Dave Sampson, Natalie Lynn, and the winner of Battle for the Bash!!. With great live music, comes great Food Trucks, they will all be there creating spectacular local fare and of course be fresh Garrison craft beer and local cider. Garrison favourites will pour beside several special release and seasonal brews to wash it all down. Details
Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 5:30 pm
Cunard Event Centre
Pier 23, 961 Marginal, Halifax
Full Circle Festival
June 21 – 23, 2019
Avon River Heritage Museum
Stan Rogers Folk Festivals
Enjoy music and being with friends at an outdoor festival is one of life’s most basic joys. Thousands of Stanfest faithful do this every year in Canso. Over 40 artists and groups from across Canada and world gather to celebrate songwriting and share their talents. Details
July 25 to 28, 2019
Canso – Guysborough County
$50 – 145
TD Halifax Jazz Festival
July 9 – 14, 2019
Lower Water Street at Salter Street
Pass: $189 – 289
Acoustic Maritime Music Festival
This festival is a four-day event featuring some of the best Canadian acoustic artists. The festival starts on Thursday and runs until Sunday. Everything from blues, folk, country and jazz to Texas swing, all done through microphones as much as possible and not electronically augmented, allowing the artists to show their special talents. Details
July 18 – 21, 2019
Kempt Shore
Maritime Metal Fest
The Maritimes’ own festival of all things heavy, this weekend celebration of East Coast metal and hard rock bands has proven year after year to bring the best in regional bands, with the occasional guest from out of town. Focusing on displaying the talents of Atlantic Canadian bands, the event is no-holds-barred from start to finish. It’s the ultimate gathering for like-minded folks who enjoy camping, partying and getting wild with fellow fans of rock/metal. Details
July 5 to 6, 2019
Hants County Exhibition Grounds Windsor
$30 & up
Glendale Ceilidh Days
Early July
4248 Hwy 105, Glendale
Evening on the Hill
Take a break and enjoy live local music and the lovely summer night. The live music is followed by breathtaking fireworks. Details
July 14, 2019
91 Old Church Road, Lower West Pubnico
Broad Cove Scottish Concert
This is the largest outdoor Scottish concert held in Cape Breton. Along with the beauty of Cape Breton, there is live music and dancing to enjoy. The concert starts at 3pm, and runs late into the night. Details
Late July
178 Broad Cove Chapel Road, Inverness, Broad Cove
Halifax Summer Opera Festival
July 13 to August 11, 2019
6101 University Avenue, Halifax
$10 & up
Festival Acadien De Clare
The Festival Acadien de Clare (the oldest Acadian festival in the world!) has always been a celebration of Acadian culture and heritage. Thousands of people from all over the world gather in Saint Mary’s Bay every year for a week filled with activities for all ages, like the lumberjack competition, the parade, the bazaar and so much more! Concerts take place every year, with music genres varying from Acadian, Cajun and even Bluegrass. The Festival ends on National Acadian Day with a Tintamarre, a traditional celebration where people go from one end of the region to the other while making the most noise possible! Details
July 27 – August 3 & 15, 2019
Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
$25
Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival
Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival is a small town festival with a big reputation! Each year, music lovers flock to this distinct UNESCO World Heritage town for the best of Folk music and a healthy dose of fun. We’re the longest-running music festival in Nova Scotia and one of the oldest in Canada. This all-ages event takes place over four days in early August and offers something for everyone. Details
August 8 – 11, 2019
Lunenburg, NS
Pass: $72.50 – $145
Kintyre Farm Scottish Concert
This outdoor Scottish concert features Judique’s and Inverness County’s famous fiddlers, singers, dancers, pipers, and Celtic guitarists. So, gather your family and friends, pack a blanket or chair, then head to the scenic country farm setting of Kintyre Farm. Details
Mid August (2019 TBA)
320 River Denys Road, Judique, Ceilidh Trail
Summer Musical Showcase
Enjoy free outdoor concerts on the Pictou Waterfront in July and August. The Concerts are from 6 pm to 8 pm every Sunday and Monday. This Showcase features traditional Maritime music, county, rock and more. Details
Every Sunday and Monday evening from July to August
Caladh Avenue, Pictou, Northumberland Shore
Free
Trunk 7 Music Festival
July 19 – 21, 2019
67 Park Rd, Musquodoboit Harbour
New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee
The Jubilee has been host to East Coast Music Association, Music Nova Scotia and Juno Award winners and nominees. The distinctive setting and outdoor amphitheatre provide music lovers one of the most engaging and in your face music experiences of its kind. It is an event with a flavour all its own, featuring Rock and the best East Coast music. The event was built on a proud tradition of opening its stage for the region’s rising stars to perform alongside seasoned national and international acts and turning music lovers on to the rich talent that flourishes here. Details
August 2 to 4, 2019
Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame
Atlantic Canada Harmonica Festival
The Atlantic Canada Harmonica Festival is the only festival of its kind in Eastern Canada. The festival is a celebration of the harmonica and all who play it, regardless of musical preference or style. This is a relaxing and intimate festival, held on the grounds and inside the historic buildings of the Heritage Village.
Spend the day with musicians who love this unique and versatile instrument. If you have ever thought about playing the harmonica, this is the place to start because classes are offered on the day of the festival in the morning. Details
August 10, 2019
5435 Clam Harbour Road, Lake Charlotte, B0J 1Y0, Eastern Shore
$8 -$52
Woolsock Music Festival
The Woolsock Music Festival is a day of live local music at the Wild Axe Park, which is located on the beautiful Barrington River. Gather your family and friends, pack a blanket or chair, and head to the park to hear local musicians who have come together to entertain visitors all day and into the evening. There will also be food vendors on site. Details
August 24, 2019
5 Petticoat Lane, Barrington, Barrington, B0W 1E0, South Shore
$2 to $10
Halifax Urban Folk Festival
This festival is better known as HUFF and features local acts and other Canadian bands. It is still growing, so the lineup of artists is always changing. Details
August 25 – September 1, 2019
Halifax, NS
Acoustic Roots Festival
The annual festival provides an opportunity to showcase Atlantic Canadian talent including a strong Cape Breton component. The Acoustic Roots Festival not only provides excellent entertainment for the entire family but also serves as an important fundraiser for Two Rivers Wildlife Park. Details
August 30 to September 2, 2019
Two Rivers Wildlife Park
Deep Roots Music Festival
The Deep Roots Music Festival is the annual family-oriented festival held in Annapolis Valley. Details
September 27 to 29, 2019
Various Venues, Wolfville
Masters Concert at the Celtic Music Centre
A concert not to be missed that always sell out quickly! The Masters Concert features some of Cape Breton’s finest fiddlers together with top-notch accompanists in an incredible night of authentic Celtic music. This is also the kickoff concert of the Buddy MacMaster Fiddle Camp. Details
October 10, 2019
5471 Highway 19, Judique
Celtic Colours International Festival
The Celtic Colours International Festival is a unique celebration of Cape Breton Island’s living traditional culture. For nine days in October, there are hundreds of events and activities to discover taking place in communities around the Island. Details
October 11 – 19, 2019
Baddeck, Cabot Trail
Free – $150
Halifax Pop Explosion Music Festival
HPX is the Halifax Pop Explosion, an annual festival that presents over 150 artists, comedians, and speakers in more than 15 venues across the city. HPX has a long-standing tradition of presenting the best in new and innovative music from across Canada and the world. So, for four days, music lovers come together and pack themselves into venues throughout the city, excited to listen to the newest and best in music. Details
October Mid
1980 Robie St, Halifax, NS
